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Old 12 December 2011, 04:31 AM   #1
Watch ME!
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To engrave, or not to engrave???

Hello all,

I'm going to be buying a new SubC LN soon and am thinking about having my initials engraved on the caseback. I know this ruins the resale value; however, I'll probably never re-sell the watch. I am quite a purist too, and have been thinking about whether or not to buy an additional (official) caseback and have that back engraved, holding onto my "original" case back that isn't engraved. Not sure if this can even be done, or whether or not RSC would/should have to do it?

What are your thoughts?? I know this is a very personal opinion that will vary from person to person.

Also, let's hear from you if you have or haven't done this and why.

Thanks!
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Old 12 December 2011, 04:37 AM   #2
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I had the AD ask me if I wanted my watch engraved - I said no. I just am not the type to need to see my name etched into my possessions. I know I bought it and own it, I know what my name is, I don't need to see it every time I look at the watch, ring, etc. That said, if you like the thought of looking at your name on your watch, more power to you.

If you become fabulously famous some day, your name on the watch would probably push resale value through the roof. Otherwise, likely not. Your idea of an authentic case back is good, however, I don't think Rolex normally provides you with "parts on demand" and I think its pretty standard fare for RSC to keep any parts exchanged during a service - meaning I don't think you could send in to RSC and request them send you your watch plus an authentic case back replacement at your cost.
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Old 12 December 2011, 04:37 AM   #3
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I'd say get it done. It's not permanent like a tattoo, if it bothers you later or you wish to sell it just have your RSC replace the caseback, they're not that expensive IMO. I had my GMT-IIC engraved by the UK RSC at very little cost btw.
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Old 12 December 2011, 04:43 AM   #4
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I should add that I checked before I had my watch engraved, the UK RSC will fit new casebacks without the need for a full service.
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Old 12 December 2011, 04:46 AM   #5
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Yeah, I wasn't sure about how to get a back... but reading the forums, especially the mods that have been done, it seems like those folks are using official parts.

>>And I'll probably never be famous, so no added value there likely!<<

As for the engraving, my reasoning is that I grew up loving my father very much (who doesn't, I know) but having divorced parents I was just always felt closer to my dad even though I didn't get to see him as often as I would have liked. Growing up, he always wanted the SS/YG blue dial Sub. [I get my love of watches from him!] He always said he wanted to get that watch and have his initials engraved on it, and then pass it down to me (we have the same name/initials). Well, he never got that watch. Now, having develped my love for watches, and having made it a point to save for a Sub, I've been thinking about the engraving of our initials; sort of a hommage paid to my dad! My Rolex, especially my first (hopefully there will be more!), will always be special to me, but most importantly it will always make me think of him... sort of like I'm getting to spend that lost time with him everytime I look at it.
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Old 12 December 2011, 04:48 AM   #6
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Sounds like you have some very personal reasons for doing this. Have at it and enjoy.
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Old 12 December 2011, 04:51 AM   #7
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Thanks Dave K! Good to know. What did you have engraved on your GMT II and why?
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Old 12 December 2011, 05:02 AM   #8
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Thanks Dave K! Good to know. What did you have engraved on your GMT II and why?

I thought I had a pic of my engraved caseback on my hard drive but cannot seem to find it. I'll have to blow the dust off of my camera and take some snaps. Back soon.
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Old 12 December 2011, 05:16 AM   #9
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I would engrave - it's a nice thing to do.

Besides, there is a very good walkthrough in the tech section on getting rid when you want to.
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Old 12 December 2011, 05:19 AM   #10
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If you're not going to sell it have it engraved. I could never do that as watches last about 30 days till I try something else.
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Old 12 December 2011, 05:21 AM   #11
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Have it done, nothing to lose. If you end up needing to sell it can always be replaced.
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Old 12 December 2011, 05:50 AM   #12
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Thanks Dave K! Good to know. What did you have engraved on your GMT II and why?

Here it is(sorry for the poor quality, my light box is packed away).



My father gave me this right after I joined so it was only fitting to have the RSC engrave it as such. Needless to say, I won't be selling this.
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Old 12 December 2011, 06:03 AM   #13
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Will the RSC in NY or Dallas do caseback engraving?
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Old 12 December 2011, 06:54 AM   #14
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Very nice engraving job! Thanks for sharing Dave K!! As btinl asked, does anyone know if RSC does engraving over on this side of the pond? Cost too??

Dave K, mind if I ask what yours cost?
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Old 12 December 2011, 06:54 AM   #15
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I say engrave it. I got my first Submariner a few weeks ago and had it engraved with a saying my father (ex military) used to always tell me "Early is on time." He passed away in April, and ever since then I wanted something that would always be close by to remind me of our good times. I think if it has meaning to you, go ahead and do it. Resale value aside, I think a watch like this is a very personal piece of one's own history. Enjoy!
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Old 12 December 2011, 07:03 AM   #16
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Dave K, mind if I ask what yours cost?
It was done back in 2007. I think it cost about Ł40($63 in your money), my memory's very bad though.
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Old 12 December 2011, 07:05 AM   #17
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Wow, excellent! That's much less than I would have expected.
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Old 12 December 2011, 07:44 AM   #18
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Very nice and as long as your keeping it I see no issues whatsoever. This makes it personal and IMO is a great idea. Like said if you decide to sell it is a very easy fix
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Old 12 December 2011, 07:46 AM   #19
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Thank you everyone for the input.

Anyone else with engraving and stories, please keep posting. Pictures are great too!!
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Old 12 December 2011, 07:50 AM   #20
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I haven't done it yet...but I'll surely be engraving mine with my initials in some fashion.
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Old 12 December 2011, 08:10 AM   #21
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Quote:
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Here it is(sorry for the poor quality, my light box is packed away).



My father gave me this right after I joined so it was only fitting to have the RSC engrave it as such. Needless to say, I won't be selling this.
That's really cool.
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Old 12 December 2011, 08:40 AM   #22
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Sounds like you have some very personal reasons for doing this. Have at it and enjoy.
Couldn't have said it better.
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Old 12 December 2011, 08:52 AM   #23
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I started a threa a while back on engravings-to simplify matters I "bumped " it back up the board. It is called "show us your engraving".
I say if you want to go ahead-and don't worry about whether or not the original caseback is engraved or plain. If you ever sold the replacement is no different and has no markings that I'm aware of to show it was not the first one. Like a new crown it won affect value on a watch like a subc.
Cheers!
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Old 12 December 2011, 09:00 AM   #24
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The thing about engraving it is it MAKES IT YOURS. Both feet in...no doubt...yours and your keeping it.

Having another case back or engraving another case back is in my opinion kinda cheesy. Either your all in or your not...

It's the difference of getting married drunk in Vegas for a weekend or marrying your wife, future mother of your children and the one you are going to go through thick and thin with...no questions asked...forever. Which will your Sub be?

Zsa Zsa gave Marlon Brandon one...I bet she didn't think it would last forever either!

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Old 12 December 2011, 09:12 AM   #25
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You have very special reasons for wanting to engrave the case back. Go ahead and do it. Forget resale value, it will be worth more to you with the engraving.
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Old 12 December 2011, 09:40 AM   #26
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i say, just do it, memories are precious !!!
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Old 12 December 2011, 10:11 AM   #27
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I like engraved watches. I say go for it.
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Old 12 December 2011, 11:06 AM   #28
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Do it... especially if you don't intend to sell it.
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Old 12 December 2011, 11:10 AM   #29
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I say why not?
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Old 12 December 2011, 12:37 PM   #30
JustABreathAway
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To the OP - it sounds like your reason for engraving is much stronger and more personal than my reason for not. We're I in your shoes with your story, I think I'd be getting those initials scratched - more as a tribute to and in memory of your dad than anything else.
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